ACT Brumbies sign Tom Wright from Manly to land coup for rugby union

The ACT Brumbies have poached a former rugby union schoolboys prodigy to bolster their inside-back stocks, adding Tom Wright to their roster after he requested a release from his NRL contract.

Wright will join the Brumbies on a two-year deal after deciding to leave the Manly Sea Eagles following a tumultuous season on the northern beaches.

Tom Wright will link with the Brumbies after making his NRL debut with Manly.Credit:NRL Imagery

The former St Joseph's College star is set to compete for the Brumbies' inside centre role after playing five games for Manly in a disastrous season, which is set to end with coach Trent Barrett leaving the club.

Wright's Brumbies arrival continues club's out of the box recruitment strategy this year, adding established but relatively unknown players in Australia for their quest to break a Super Rugby title drought.

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Coach Dan McKellar has added NRL rookie Wright, three players from New Zealand, one from the NSW Waratahs and one from Sydney's club competition as he searches for the perfect blend talent and experience.

"You can't just be looking at the traditional systems in Australian rugby. You've got to look and think outside the square. I think that's what we've done, time will tell if our recruitment has been accurate," McKellar said.

"We've been aware of Tom's rugby union background and heard he was interested in coming back to the game.

"He's got X-factor and there's definitely potential there. He's creative, good footwork, good speed and good acceleration. He can create something out of nothing.

"He's got a good short kicking game and that comes off the back of a couple of games in rugby league. And he's not afraid to take the ball to the line, he's brave enough to dig in and they're good qualities to have.

It is hoped Slipper and the Queensland Reds will make a decision on his future in the coming days. Reds coach Brad Thorn is unlikely to pick Slipper next year after he was suspended for testing positive to cocaine.

Slipper has been battling mental health issues and was banned for two months, but he is still on the Wallabies' radar and could form a loosehead tag team with Scott Sio in Canberra.

The Brumbies have retained the bulk of their squad from last season and will have stability with 28 players returning for another Super Rugby campaign.

They'll add new Wallaby Samu, lightning quick winger Pulu and now Wright as they aim to reclaim the Australian conference title.

"If you think back to 2011, no one knew who Joe Tomane or Tevita Kuridrani was. You've got to think outside the traditional routes and be really clear on the guys you feel who can add to your team," McKellar said.

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The Brumbies have signed almost 1000 members for next year and will launch their campaign for more fans in the coming weeks.

Wright's signing is a boost for rugby union, which is constantly losing rising stars to the cashed-up NRL.

"We're excited about how the squad is coming together. We've got some older heads and also the next generation, Tom is just another piece in that puzzle," said Brumbies boss Michael Thomson.

"He really fits that style [of play] we're trying to continue to develop. He does offer something different, electric off the ground and we're excited to have him come back to rugby union.

"We think being in league has developed his skills. We've watched him for a little while and thought he'd be an excellent fit for what we have here."